North Carolina dog groomers are generally responsible for the various aspects of 
grooming and maintenance for dogs and other pets. You can choose to work specifically on dogs if you desire, but many groomers are trained and experienced to work with all kinds of domestic pets. Groomers will provide bathing, fur trimming, nail clipping, brushing, and other services to pets while working in a grooming salon, animal hospital, or pet store setting. Getting started can be difficult.
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Pay Expectations in the State
The median annual salary for dog groomers in North Carolina is approximately $27,500. Entry-level and apprentice groomers will earn between $7.85 and $10.00 per hour starting out, depending on where they work and what kind of education they have. Those in the highest salary range are the master groomers and groomers that own a private salon, earning an average of $40,000 per year.
Salaries are higher in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington while those working in smaller towns can expect to earn less on average. Groomers that work in pet stores and private salons generally earn more than those working in animal hospitals and shelters.
Certification and Licensing
North Carolina dog groomers are not required to obtain any type of certification or licensing. However, it is always going to benefit your career to take advantage of all of the resources that are available. Groomers who want to maximize their earnings or career potential can find pet grooming schools and programs throughout North Carolina, including the certification program that is offered by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
Training and education will cover the history of breeds and breed standards, grooming techniques and practical application, and industry insight and education. The NDGAA offers two certifications, which require the completion of workshops, a practical application test, and an exam. Aspiring dog groomers can choose from becoming a Certified Dog Groomer or a Master Dog Groomer.
Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for becoming a dog groomer in North Carolina. State and federal laws do not regulate this career, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need an education. Formal dog grooming schools and training programs exist for a reason, and you should invest in them to get more out of your career. You can choose from pet grooming schools throughout the state or programs available from various associations or employers in the industry.
Classes cover the history of grooming, breed standards and grooming techniques, practical experience, emergency pet care and first aid, and other related topics. Most programs require an average of 50 hours of coursework, but that varies from one school to the next. The Humane Society of Charlotte and other branches throughout the state will have resources available to help you learn about dog grooming education, including schools, training and internships, and how to make the most of your career. With over 15 schools and programs in the state, getting the education that you need to become a North Carolina dog groomer is easy. Training and Internships at North Carolina Salons and Animal Hospitals
Some North Carolina animal hospitals and pet grooming salons will have grooming training and apprenticeship programs available. Sometimes, the hands-on experience is just as valuable as the formal education, if not more so. The way to make the most of your career is to take advantage of all of the education and training resources that are out there. Be sure to check with the local Humane Society and other animal shelters to see what programs are available in your city.
Dog groomer apprenticeships are the ideal way to get your foot in the door in the industry and see what the career is really about. You can find private salons, vet clinics, and a variety of other pet businesses that can help you get your grooming career off the ground in North Carolina. The Humane Society of the United States and the National Dog Groomers Association of America have plenty of state-specific resources and information to help you get the training you need.
Helpful Resources
The Humane Society of Charlotte
Salary.com: North Carolina Animal Groomer and Bather Salaries
Professional Resources and Continuing Education
Once you are a pet groomer, you might think that your work is done. However, this is an ever-evolving industry and you will need to keep up with continuing education and make the most of networking to get more out of your career. Check out the resources below for more.
NDGAA: This is the national association for dog groomers, which will have all kinds of continuing education and training workshops, educational resources, and other tools to help keep your career fresh. There is also an option to become a member, which provides other benefits for your grooming career.
International Association of Professional Groomers: This is another association that has resources for education and training, as well as other tools and professional resources for groomers around the world.
The Humane Society of the U.S./North Carolina: This is the local chapter of the U.S. Humane Society, which has plenty of useful resources for visitors and professionals alike. Here, groomers can find more information on their industry and careers, whether they are experienced professionals or just starting out.